New look for Pixel Launcher search with Gemini integration

Google is updating the Pixel Launcher search bar with a fresh design and smarter features in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2. The search bar now looks more like the Google app’s homescreen widget, with a sleek, modern style. It’s more compact and includes a new AI Mode toggle, making it easier to use generative AI tools right from your home screen.

This update brings a smooth animation when you activate the Gemini overlay by holding the power button. The screen shrinks slightly, and the overlay slides up, creating a natural and intuitive experience. Google also fixed a bug to bring back haptic feedback, so your phone vibrates consistently when you interact with it. Once the Gemini overlay is open, you get new options like “Share Screen with Live” and “Ask About Screen,” alongside the usual “Ask Gemini” feature.

These tools let you dive deeper into AI-powered tasks, like analyzing what’s on your screen or sharing live content. The update also improves how Android works with external monitors, offering better window tiling, app support, and multi-instance features for a desktop-like experience. This redesign is rolling out slowly to Pixel users in the beta program. It’s part of Google’s push to blend AI seamlessly into Android, making your phone smarter and more user-friendly. Keep an eye out for these changes as they expand to more devices.